The Iberostar Playa Mita is a Work of Art

Last month we attended the grand opening of the new Iberostar Playa Mita on Mexico's Riviera Nayarit. The 452-room all-inclusive resort is the Spanish brand's first property on Mexico's Pacific coast and features 120 oceanfront junior suites, 18 adult-only Spa Rooms, two Presidential Suites, two pools and a spa. Guests also have preferred access to the nearby Greg Norman-designed course at the Litibu Golf Club

What really caught our eye, though, was the pieces of Huichol art displayed throughout the hotel, in rooms and public space. Huichol art is a traditional folk art form by the native Huichol people who live in Nayarit and Jalisco made with intricate designs, vibrant colors and sacred symbols to express deeply held spiritual beliefs.

Like this jaguar head in the lobby (pictured above), which has three million beads in it and it was made by one family -- grandparents, parents and children -- and took about three months to make. For Huichol Shamans, the jaguar is a power animal, considered messengers of the god of fire, Tatewari.

In the lobby there are also four large string art works (one pictured above) and in all of the guest rooms you'll find smaller works, such as this beaded mask:

Rates at the Iberostar Playa Mita start at $$1,165 USD per person for five nights. The rate also includes unlimited meals, snacks, and premium domestic and international beverages.

Disclosure: Karen Gardiner attended the opening as a guest of Iberostar but all views and opinions are her own.